Pet and seasonal allergies are problems that millions of people have to contend with on a daily basis. We recently interviewed Eric Shenkel, MD, director of the Valley Allergy and Asthma Treatment Center in Bethlehem Township, PA, to learn more about pet allergies and what we as pet owners and lovers can do to avoid them.
Q: What causes pet allergies?
Dr. Shenkel: An allergy is an exaggerated response the body has after exposure to an otherwise harmless substance. The immune system is involved, and if you have a special antibody (IgE), and are exposed to the usually harmless substance, your body releases allergy chemicals (e.g. histamine). Itching, sneezing, congestion, cough and even wheezing or shock may occur.
The "harmless" substance in pets is not only dander, but also, saliva, tears, and even urine proteins.
Q: Are some pets better than others for people with allergies?
Dr. Shenkel: There is no such thing as a "non-allergic" dog. However, there may be one breed that affects an individual severely, and someone else, minimally. Dogs that shed more hair create more problems.
Q: Is there such a thing as a dog or cat breed that causes no allergies at all?
Dr. Shenkel: NO
Q: What can a person do to minimize their pet allergies?
Dr. Shenkel: Keeping the pet out of the bedroom is important. HEPA air purifiers can help. Keeping the hair cut short and bathing frequently is also a good idea.
Q: My family wants to get a dog but I think I might be allergic, how do I find out?
Dr. Shenkel: The best way is to have allergy skin testing done by an Allergist. Blood tests are available, but are less accurate.
Q: Are seasonal allergies and pet allergies the same?
Dr. Shenkel: These are caused by the same mechanisms and often cause the same type of symptoms. But the cause (pollen, mold for seasonal allergy and dog proteins for dog allergy) are different.
FetchDog partnered with Schering-Plough to bring you this information about nasal allergies. Check out www.DontBlowIt.com for an educational online game about nasal allergies, and visit www.nasal-allergies.com for more information.
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